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Featuring the latest research results, this volume presents some of the most important methods and tools now available for modeling and solving problems in supply chain management, which usually means designing the most efficient and productive algorithms.

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Quantitative Methods in Supply Chain Management presents some of the most important methods and tools available for modeling and solving problems arising in the context of supply chain management. In the context of this book, "solving problems" usually means designing efficient algorithms for obtaining high-quality solutions.

The first chapter is an extensive optimization review covering continuous unconstrained and constrained linear and nonlinear optimization algorithms, as well as dynamic programming and discrete optimization exact methods and heuristics. The second chapter presents time-series forecasting methods together with prediction market techniques for demand forecasting of new products and services. The third chapter details models and algorithms for planning and scheduling with an emphasis on production planning and personnel scheduling. The fourth chapter presents deterministic and stochastic models for inventory control with a detailed analysis on periodic review systems and algorithmic development for optimal control of such systems. The fifth chapter discusses models and algorithms for location/allocation problems arising in supply chain management, and transportation problems arising in distribution management in particular, such as the vehicle routing problem and others. The sixth and final chapter presents a short list of new trends in supply chain management with a discussion of the related challenges that each new trend might bring along in the immediate to near future.

Overall, Quantitative Methods in Supply Chain Management may be of particular interest to students and researchers in the fields of supply chain management, operations management, operations research, industrial engineering, and computer science.

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1. A Review of Optimization Methods.- 2. Forecasting.- 3. Planning and Scheduling.- 4. Inventory Control.- 5. Location Theory and Distribution Management.- 6. Epilogue.

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From the reviews:
"This work useful as a textbook to teach subjects related to resolving practical problems in supply chain management at a master´s level. ... the exercises are excellent vehicles for teaching graduate and PhD students. ... Christou´s book is a good reference for researchers and operations research and operations management students who wish to gain a global view of supply chain management using mathematical procedures. Thus, it would be extremely helpful in introducing new students to supply chain management models." (Javier Faulin, Interfaces, Vol. 43 (2), March-April, 2013)

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